Doha: Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) Dr. Hareb Mohamed Aljabri said that attendance statistics for the period following the resumption of in-person classes showed an outstanding level of commitment among students and faculty members, who have resumed their academic and administrative duties, which reflects the strength of the educational system and the efficiency of national institutions, he noted.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Aljabri stated that reports from Qatar's higher education institutions indicated a very limited number of faculty members were unable to attend in-person due to being abroad prior to the current crisis. These individuals continue their academic duties remotely to ensure continuity as in-person learning resumes fully.
He highlighted that these cases were mainly found in private universities with strategic partnerships abroad, demonstrating the flexibility and high capacity of these institutions in maintaining academic and research work at international standards.
Dr. Aljabri mentioned positive indicators of relative stability in the country's security situation. He affirmed that MOEHE maintains constant contact with higher education institutions during this period.
He commended the success of emergency plans and digital transformation strategies that ensured uninterrupted educational processes. He also emphasized the integration of e-learning tools and technological solutions into in-person education within a comprehensive strategic framework.
The Assistant Undersecretary stressed the importance of leveraging advanced digital infrastructure and skilled national human resources to ensure enhanced quality and sustainability of education under all circumstances.
Dr. Aljabri praised proactive measures by educational institutions, which have become models in planning and adapting to changes. He noted that remote examination mechanisms would remain a strategic option based on course requirements or exceptional circumstances.
He expressed satisfaction with the institutions' performance and their adherence to the national higher education plan. MOEHE is prepared to provide support to enhance their resilience and sustain excellence, urging effective responses to official directives for sustainable national development.
Regarding scholarship students, Dr. Aljabri stated that MOEHE established hotlines and communication channels for direct contact with students through the scholarship department and cultural attaches' offices. Daily follow-ups ensure comprehensive financial and moral support for the academic progress of approximately 5,000 scholarship students in Qatar and abroad.
He urged scholarship students to contact the Ministry or cultural attaches if they face challenges due to the current crisis. Dr. Aljabri noted that more than 200 students studying abroad received support during their stay in Qatar, including coordination for remote studies and return arrangements.
Coordination with higher education sectors and cultural attache offices ensures communication with universities abroad in cases of delayed student return. Over 60 international universities have been contacted to facilitate remote learning for students, with efforts to secure necessary authorization documents.
Dr. Aljabri mentioned that cultural attaches were instructed to use follow-up forms and emergency contacts with students, particularly in directly affected regions like Iran, where scholarship students were evacuated to Qatar.
He concluded by emphasizing the temporary solution of remote lectures to ensure students' academic stability and the preparation of detailed daily reports to maintain their academic status across various study locations.